It is great that after visiting the Valais for nearly 20 years we still find new places to explore and hikes to do. We had arrived to a period of settled sunny weather and I thought it would be a good opportunity to hike up to the Rambert Hut from the Jorasse lift above Ovronnaz
We are trying to build up our hiking fitness for our Australian holiday, when we have a 24km hike to do in the Hinterland. Much longer than we are used to hiking. So this hike had the option of an extension, although as it so happened 12km and 800m of elevation was plenty as we were not adjusted to the altitude and still a bit weary from the drive over here and a cycle to Iserables the previous day!
The first couple of km of our walk from the lift station were delightful. The light was good and the views kept unfolding. It was nice and cool in the woods without any wind. We came across a few people hiking down from the Rambert Hut as this is part of the Tour des Muverans, but generally we had the trail to ourselves.
The hike up to the hut was in 3 distinct sections or steps of about 200 m each between which were 2 relatively flat plateaus (Plans) which gave us a nice respite both on the way up and down.
After crossing 3 dry riverbeds which was a bit of a surprise, we climbed steeply up to the first high plateau (Plan Coupel) where there was a small stone croft nestled below an outcrop crowned by a cross. The light on the meadows and flowers was beautiful. Ahead we could see the path climbing up steeply next to a waterfall. Fortunately the water was running here and we had a welcome break eating our nutty butty sarnies and topping up on our water supplies. Much happier!
At the top of this next section we entered into the Salentse Plan the source of the river. This was an incredible bowl of mountains and steep arete ridges. A great example of an ‘ex glacial’ cirque formation. Fortunately we were refreshed from our break as I found the last c200m ‘step’ up to the hut easier than I thought given how steep it looked on the map. The shallower zigzags on the shale slope made for an easier ascent than we anticipated About 2 thirds of the way up there was a short detour to a viewing point down a vertical cliff. Great photo op.
We had thought to do an extension to the Col de la Forcle but though better of it as we were both feeling the altitude a bit. Right decision. As it was we had a nice break at the hut, including a slice of lemon tart and mint tea. There was a short detour to a viewing point of the Grand Muveran which I am glad we did, excellent views of Mt Blanc and the hut.
All too soon it was time to retrace our footsteps and head down to ensure we were in good time for the lift. A key highlight on this section was having our last treat at the stone croft and watching a kite (I think) soaring in the thermals. A great day topped of by a glass of wine / beer at the café we like in Aproz and a win by Liverpool over Newcastle.
See below for a video of our photos and experiences on our hike as well as a map which you can click on to learn more and get the GPX track. Note to see the full controls on the video click on the < control on the progress bar. This will allow you to watch the video full screen.
